What Kind of Infusions Help Migraines?
Migraine infusions deliver medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV for faster and sometimes more effective results. Common infusion medications for migraines include:
- DHE 45® (dihydroergotamine): Tightens blood vessels and reduces substances in the brain that cause inflammation and pain
- Toradol® (ketorolac): Relieves acute pain, often used in emergency settings
- Magnesium sulfate: Beneficial for people who get migraines with aura
- Reglan® (metoclopramide): Alleviates nausea and helps your stomach empty faster
- Compazine® (prochlorperazine): Relieves strong nausea or vomiting
- Vyepti® (eptinezumab): Given every three months to help prevent migraines before they start
Migraine Infusion Cocktail
A migraine cocktail is a mix of different IV medications given together to treat multiple parts of a migraine attack at once. The exact ingredients can change depending on your symptoms, but most migraine cocktails include:
- NSAID pain relievers: Help lower inflammation and ease head pain
- Antiemetics: Reduce nausea and help prevent vomiting
- DHE: Tightens blood vessels and blocks pain signals in the brain
- Steroids: Help reduce swelling and lower the chance of the migraine coming back soon
- IV fluids: Treat dehydration, which can make migraines feel worse
Migraine infusion cocktails can work faster than pills and are often administered in outpatient infusion centers like Healix.
How Long Does a Migraine Infusion Last?
An IV infusion for migraines usually takes between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on how many medications are included and how your body responds.
The effects of a migraine infusion can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. In some cases, like with preventive infusions, you may feel results for weeks or even months. How long the benefits last depends on your migraine pattern and how well your body responds to the treatment.